Prospect Info: 2022 - 1st OA] Juraj Slafkovsky (LW) Part 4

[Habs10Habs]

I've read the arguments from all sides. To keep him in the NHL, to send him to the OHL, AHL or even back to Europe. All sides provide interesting reasoning behind their opinions.

Putting myself in HuGo's shoes. I've thought about where I think he should go and why. After much thought, since I have way too much time on my hands. I believe he should stay with the Habs. I asked myself the following questions:

1. Does he seem over matched in the regular season games he's played?
2. Am I noticing him repeating the same mistakes over and over again?
3. Is his progress stagnating or do you see improvement from game to game?
4. How does his mood seem on the ice (Calm, frustrated, confused, happy, intense)
5. Where will he receive the best training/coaching?

By watching how MSL has handled Slafkovsky so far. Has shown me that he's not throwing him to the wolves, yet he's not babying him either. Some are frustrated because he hasn't gotten any PP time yet. I was a little confused with that as well, since that's not normal. In this case, MSL came out and explained how he was taking his time with him. Our PP sucks, so MSL could easily rush him into it. Yet in this case, he's taking his time with him.

So for me, if each of those questions are answered positively. I see no reason not to keep him in Montreal. If not, I'd consider the AHL. Since I'm a bit of a control freak and would want to still be able to properly monitor his progress. The OHL would fall to number 3, and that would only be if he faltered big time with the Habs. Which I currently haven't seen so far. Europe for me wouldn't be on the table, for the above mentioned reasons.

 

[SlafySZN]

I've really only seen rookie camp and I saw him mostly trying to pass. I was worried he didn't have much a shot. Turns out I was really wrong.
Beauty shot.

The AHL vs. NHL is a valid debate. OHL is not. I was bummed that it wasn't the greatest year to get a 1OA but people think this guy can only be a 2nd liner are off their rockers. His potential is enormous. He just has question marks and you'd rather not have a 1OA with a lot of question marks.

The size/skill/skating combo is nuts and he has a ton of room for improvement. The one thing that really did hearten me seeing him at rookie camp was the swagger. He's got star swagger which at the end of the day is one of the biggest things you want to see. He had it on that goal too....and after lol.

We're not used to nice things but you can't leave out Slaf when talking about a Cup core. I don't think he can be Caufield good but he might not be that far off. Can't really get a read on his ceiling but he's bursting with potential.

Well, they are very different type of players but could be perfect playing with each other eventually.

A two-headed monster.

 

[Goldenhands]

Uhh… yes, absolutely. One goal in four games doesn’t change anything or any valuation. What kind of scouting profile of Slafkovsky would hinge on a single goal in a blowout against Arizona? It’s incredible how you didnt think this through at all.

I think any sensed fan with a minimum of hockey knowledge see the progression, that he is adjusting quickly, that he gains in confidence and impacts the game more and more and that he clearly belongs. If you expect the kid to show up on the scoresheet every game playing on a 4th line without any PP time, you are living in your own reality, a reality that has 0 concept of what a 18 yrs kid, who isnt an exceptional, can realistically do at that level. So when you talk about evaluation, we all know you cant assess players by your own, to each their own, Im sure you have other qualities.

 

[the valiant effort]

Never saw the replay at the time, I'm only just now realizing that Xhekaj flew down into the corner to retaliate on the high hit on Slaf from Brown while Slaf forced the turnover to score his goal. ****ing LOL.

 

[River Meadow]

I've read the arguments from all sides. To keep him in the NHL, to send him to the OHL, AHL or even back to Europe. All sides provide interesting reasoning behind their opinions.

Putting myself in HuGo's shoes. I've thought about where I think he should go and why. After much thought, since I have way too much time on my hands. I believe he should stay with the Habs. I asked myself the following questions:

1. Does he seem over matched in the regular season games he's played?
2. Am I noticing him repeating the same mistakes over and over again?
3. Is his progress stagnating or do you see improvement from game to game?
4. How does his mood seem on the ice (Calm, frustrated, confused, happy, intense)
5. Where will he receive the best training/coaching?

By watching how MSL has handled Slafkovsky so far. Has shown me that he's not throwing him to the wolves, yet he's not babying him either. Some are frustrated because he hasn't gotten any PP time yet. I was a little confused with that as well, since that's not normal. In this case, MSL came out and explained how he was taking his time with him. Our PP sucks, so MSL could easily rush him into it. Yet in this case, he's taking his time with him.

So for me, if each of those questions are answered positively. I see no reason not to keep him in Montreal. If not, I'd consider the AHL. Since I'm a bit of a control freak and would want to still be able to properly monitor his progress. The OHL would fall to number 3, and that would only be if he faltered big time with the Habs. Which I currently haven't seen so far. Europe for me wouldn't be on the table, for the above mentioned reasons.

As much as for the long term I'd like to see him in the OHL as an 18-yr old, then bring him into the pros... AHL/NHL the year later...

There's no way the habs do this.

It will be either Laval/MTL or combination of both, and you're right... considering they will have way less control over him if he goes far away (OHL for example) it's not ideal.

 

[Habs10Habs]

As much as for the long term I'd like to see him in the OHL as an 18-yr old, then bring him into the pros... AHL/NHL the year later...

There's no way the habs do this.

It will be either Laval/MTL or combination of both, and you're right... considering they will have way less control over him if he goes far away (OHL for example) it's not ideal.

I have to admit, it would be interesting to see him in the OHL. So for the posters who feel that's where he should go. I can understand why they'd want to see him there. I agree with you though, I don't think that's the path the Habs want him to take.

Considering how important Slafkovsky is to the Habs. Laval/MTL personally makes the most sense to me. Or like you mentioned, a combination of both. Me making the decision to keep him with the Habs. Is based on what I've seen from training camp until tonight. Things can change, and maybe next week I'll feel differently.

 

[River Meadow]

I have to admit, it would be interesting to see him in the OHL. So for the posters who feel that's where he should go. I can understand why they'd want to see him there. I agree with you though, I don't think that's the path the Habs want him to take.

Considering how important Slafkovsky is to the Habs. Laval/MTL personally makes the most sense to me. Or like you mentioned, a combination of both. Me making the decision to keep him with the Habs. Is based on what I've seen from training camp until tonight. Things can change, and maybe next week I'll feel differently.

Ultimately, I don't see the real point for him to develop in the NHL... It's not typically a developmental league.

I'd rather see him come in at 20-21yrs old when he and his game has matured, and fight for the calder.

 

[Habs10Habs]

Ultimately, I don't see the real point for him to develop in the NHL... It's not typically a developmental league.

I'd rather see him come in at 20-21yrs old when he and his game has matured, and fight for the calder.

If our team was a contender, I'd 100% support dumping his ass in the AHL right off the bat. Since we have a coach who seems to be good with the kids. Not punishing them for every mistake that they make. Plus added development training staff to help out as well. Having him play 10 to whatever minutes he played tonight. Gradually increasing his minutes, while slowly adding in PP time.

Near the end of training camp. I thought it was a slam dunk that he was going to be sent down. Partly from his play, and partly from the number of forwards we currently have. Since I've seen him continue to improve from game to game. It wouldn't surprise me if we see a veteran sent down when Armia comes back. (Looking at you Hoffman).

 

[ReHabs]

I think any sensed fan with a minimum of hockey knowledge see the progression, that he is adjusting quickly, that he gains in confidence and impacts the game more and more and that he clearly belongs. If you expect the kid to show up on the scoresheet every game playing on a 4th line without any PP time, you are living in your own reality, a reality that has 0 concept of what a 18 yrs kid, who isnt an exceptional, can realistically do at that level. So when you talk about evaluation, we all know you cant assess players by your own, to each their own, Im sure you have other qualities.

I want Slaf away from the NHL precisely because I want him to show up on the scoresheet, regularly and often. That’s the whole debate right now: NHL, AHL, or elsewhere. But you prancing around, fully torqued claiming “you’re out for blood”, after his goal against Arizona in a blowout has got you confused.

For months now the topic has been simple: what is best for Slaf’s development?

But many of you still want to battle over a fight you’ve already won. So you keep your posture that any comment about Slaf is actually anti-Slaf. This is crazy person behaviour. I hope you can understand this.

 

[River Meadow]

I want Slaf away from the NHL precisely because I want him to show up on the scoresheet, regularly and often. That’s the whole debate right now: NHL, AHL, or elsewhere. But you prancing around, fully torqued claiming “you’re out for blood”, after his goal against Arizona in a blowout has got you confused.

For months now the topic has been simple: what is best for Slaf’s development?

But many of you still want to battle over a fight you’ve already won. So you keep your posture that any comment about Slaf is actually anti-Slaf. This is crazy person behaviour. I hope you can understand this.

Yep.

If we keep him up, sure he will adapt to pro game faster...

But at the potential risk of not honing his offensive skill set as much as he could have elsewhere.

It's a long game and it's very rare a prospect is ruined or worse off by developing additional time in OHL/AHL... On the other hand, going straight to the NHL has a higher incidence of not working out..

If our team was a contender, I'd 100% support dumping his ass in the AHL right off the bat. Since we have a coach who seems to be good with the kids. Not punishing them for every mistake that they make. Plus added development training staff to help out as well. Having him play 10 to whatever minutes he played tonight. Gradually increasing his minutes, while slowly adding in PP time.

Near the end of training camp. I thought it was a slam dunk that he was going to be sent down. Partly from his play, and partly from the number of forwards we currently have. Since I've seen him continue to improve from game to game. It wouldn't surprise me if we see a veteran sent down when Armia comes back. (Looking at you Hoffman).

MSL is one trick up our sleeve that does make me feel better of having him up in the NHL..

 

[Habs10Habs]

I want Slaf away from the NHL precisely because I want him to show up on the scoresheet, regularly and often. That’s the whole debate right now: NHL, AHL, or elsewhere. But you prancing around, fully torqued claiming “you’re out for blood”, after his goal against Arizona in a blowout has got you confused.

For months now the topic has been simple: what is best for Slaf’s development?

But many of you still want to battle over a fight you’ve already won. So you keep your posture that any comment about Slaf is actually anti-Slaf. This is crazy person behaviour. I hope you can understand this.

This is where I believe you and I disagreed in the past. I think it was more about Liga, but we won't worry about that.

Putting up points is great. I'm sure in the AHL or OHL and depending on what team he played for in Europe. He would put up points. The goal for Slakovsky is long term development. Hughes has stated that he was chosen for what he could become. Not what he is right now. So, IF he can handle it. What better way is there to monitor his progress, than firsthand?

 

[Kojo]

How can someone even think about sending him down when he's playing on a winning team and carrying his own weight?

 

[Habs10Habs]

MSL is one trick up our sleeve that does make me feel better of having him up in the NHL..

If and I cringe just typing this. Bergevin and the boys were still running things. I'd have a totally different view of things. Seeing how MSL has reacted to how our young players have played so far is refreshing.

For example, MSL was asked how he felt about Xhekaj making a hit, deep in the opposition zone. He laughed and said that maybe he went in a little deep. Previous Habs coaches would have stapled his ass to the bench. MSL lets them play, while helping them learn from their mistakes.

 

[River Meadow]

If and I cringe just typing this. Bergevin and the boys were still running things. I'd have a totally different view of things. Seeing how MSL has reacted to how our young players have played so far is refreshing.

For example, MSL was asked how he felt about Xhekaj making a hit, deep in the opposition zone. He laughed and said that maybe he went in a little deep. Previous Habs coaches would have stapled his ass to the bench. MSL lets them play, while helping them learn from their mistakes.

Yep I heard him say that.

We're really lucky to have MSL... I was actually thinking about this earlier, and Hughes brought him in... doubt any other GM would have given MSL a shot like that.

It really does feel like we're in a good spot with really good hockey minds, so they should make the right decision for Slaf.....

 

[Habs10Habs]

Yep I heard him say that.

We're really lucky to have MSL... I was actually thinking about this earlier, and Hughes brought him in... doubt any other GM would have given MSL a shot like that.

It really does feel like we're in a good spot with really good hockey minds, so they should make the right decision for Slaf.....

At first when MSL was hired. I'm thinking, what does he have that I don't have.

1. We've both played hockey for over 20 years of our life. Okay I didn't play in the NHL, but I played with and against future NHL players when I was younger. One of them being some hot shot who runs the Leafs, who still owes me a coke. Bastard.

2. We both coached our kids minor hockey league teams. Okay I'm an assistant coach.

3. We're both short and are French.

4. I've read 1000's upon 1000's of posts here on HFB as a mod/admin. To my knowledge, he hasn't lol

Seriously though, his lack of qualifications was baffling. Yet that turned out to be a good thing. Since he was able to bring a new, fresh, outside of the box thinking. Add in the struggles he went through to make it to the NHL. He can relate to the lowest of players on the totem pole. To the highest of superstars.

 

[muzion]

The thing that kills me the most from lurking this thread, is most of the people who want Slaf to go down to the AHL/OHL, claim they are not haters, but come up with an avalanche of passive-aggressive comments that show how they really feel.

This is unhinged conspiratorial thinking.

He is still going to go down to the AHL for the good of his and the Habs’ development. A goal against Arizona of all teams shouldn’t change the plan.

What kills me is that there’s now no way to discuss the game, or Slaf’s game tonight because the front-running celebrators literally say “they’re out for blood” and make actually passive aggressive comments about other fans rather than the player. Not very constructive or pleasant.

Listen, it’s fine if you want to hear only the same opinions all the time. Make sure you’re honest with yourselves about that though, you want a daycare.

Why do you feel targeted when I said MOST OF THE PEOPLE?! I wonder why...

I have no problem with him eventually going to the AHL. I have issues with the novels being written that repeat the same thing over and over, along with the sometimes fair, most of the time trollish/passive-aggressive behavior displayed in this thread.

It's like how the media claims to want the best for Drouin (not a fan of his at all btw), yet pile on him every chance they get, not realizing they're creating a toxic environment, completely aloof as to what they're doing. They think they're doing one thing, yet are doing the complete opposite.

 

[ReHabs]

This is where I believe you and I disagreed in the past. I think it was more about Liga, but we won't worry about that.

Putting up points is great. I'm sure in the AHL or OHL and depending on what team he played for in Europe. He would put up points. The goal for Slakovsky is long term development. Hughes has stated that he was chosen for what he could become. Not what he is right now. So, IF he can handle it. What better way is there to monitor his progress, than firsthand?

Well, as discussed above, the MSL effect seems undeniable.

And then you add his stated mandate to let them (the kids) play and make mistakes without worrying they’ll get benched… it seems like a big Plus to have MSL with Slafkovsky.

It would be terrific if Slaf’s potential gets unlocked while he’s up with the Habs right out of the draft, but for over twenty years we have not had such success with such an approach so I will lean on the established pattern a bit here… until Slaf makes me into a believer. One goal in a blowout after a terrible giveaway is just the first step.

For posterity: I never felt confident in Galchenyuk or Kotkaniemi. I felt stronger about Galchenyuk but after three seasons it was clear his development trajectory was, shall we say, unimpressive. Kotkaniemi seemed rushed from the getgo but his first season wasn’t all bad… it was his difficult to even conceive how it happened awful second season where there were warning bells ringing non stop.

 

[Habs10Habs]

Well, as discussed above, the MSL effect seems undeniable.

And then you add his stated mandate to let them (the kids) play and make mistakes without worrying they’ll get benched… it seems like a big Plus to have MSL with Slafkovsky.

It would be terrific if Slaf’s potential gets unlocked while he’s up with the Habs right out of the draft, but for over twenty years we have not had such success with such an approach so I will lean on the established pattern a bit here… until Slaf makes me into a believer. One goal in a blowout after a terrible giveaway is just the first step.

For posterity: I never felt confident in Galchenyuk or Kotkaniemi. I felt stronger about Galchenyuk but after three seasons it was clear his development trajectory was, shall we say, unimpressive. Kotkaniemi seemed rushed from the getgo but his first season wasn’t all bad… it was his difficult to even conceive how it happened awful second season where there were warning bells ringing non stop.

This is the part that myself and most fans have to get over. What happened in the past with the Habs, should stay in the pasts. I'm still gun shy about decisions made by the team. Due to the experiences, I went through as a fan. I'm much more open minded, due to the words and actions I've seen/heard so far though.

If you take out the negative factors that people have stated as to why Galchenyuk and Kotkaniemi didn't react their potential. (Interfering parents, drugs/alcohol, not listening to coaches etc...) Both were pretty much thrown to the wolves, without much direction. Benched for mistakes, dropped down to the 4th line, or sat out for no apparent reason. Bergevin was quoted a few times as saying that the players were pretty much on their own.

So even though it is difficult, and as I mentioned it's still hard for me to grasp as well. Things are different now. We have management who actually tells us what they plan to do. We have a coach who is an open book and explains in detail (when asked). We've seen countless videos of coaches, development coaches working closely with small groups or individuals. Do you remember seeing that in the past?

We obviously don't have access to everything that the management team has in place. But we've seen enough to know that there is a plan. Whether it blows up in their faces, who knows.

This is why I'm personally not panicking if things seem to be progressing slowly, especially with Slafkovsky. Who MSL has already came out and stated what he plans to do with him, while he's with the Habs.

 

[Belial]

Never saw the replay at the time, I'm only just now realizing that Xhekaj flew down into the corner to retaliate on the high hit on Slaf from Brown while Slaf forced the turnover to score his goal. ****ing LOL.

And it was not just a hit to pass a message, he turned his head a couple of times towards Brown after the hit to let him know that if he wants to go he could do it, the guy just skated away...

 

[Dutronc]

But but but, what about his Liiga stats???

View attachment 596729

Thanks you sir

 

[alko]

I cant imagine a scenario, that after this last game someone think about AHL and even Juniors...

 

[Rusty7550]

I cant imagine a scenario, that after this last game someone think about AHL and even Juniors...

AHL is OK. But yeah, OHL doesnt make any sense

 

[BarracudaMtl]

I like a player to have a similar attitude to Slatan.
But supposedly PK was not very popular in the dressing room because of this.
Now that we have a new generation of players what do you guys think of Slafkovsky and Xhekaj's attitude ? Is it ok or do you prefer someone more traditional like Ghule ?

 

[Belial]

I like a player to have a similar attitude to Slatan.
But supposedly PK was not very popular in the dressing room because of this.
Now that we have a new generation of players what do you guys think of Slafkovsky and Xhekaj's attitude ? Is it ok or do you prefer someone more traditional like Ghule ?

Call me back when Slaf creates his own brand and so on...

 

[Twisted Sinister]

Writing thousands of posts worded differently about the same flawed argument isnt for discussion purpose, thats trolling.

Flawed in your opinion. I don't think there's much in Expat's history that suggests he's a troll. He had an opinion. He defended it vigorously. People argued with him, so he defended his position. It's a negative opinion. You don't like the opinion, so you're accusing him of trolling.

I saw that kind toxic homer attitude for decades as the Habs descended further and further into the realm of suck. People attacking posters on various forums and going after them personally for deigning to question Gainey, and Gauthier, and Bargain Bin.

Now then, our boy scored tonight, so maybe let's cease hostilities for a bit?